Phrases and sentences referring to the optimism of the deceased collected by our COO Victor Perton. Please feel free to adapt them for eulogies and death notices you are writing to honour people you love, like and admire. Any to add?

"Mandela’s relentless optimism and
struggle for human rights and freedom are a source of inspiration for all"

On Nelson Mandela

"The
horizons he saw were bright and hopeful. He was a genuinely optimistic man, and
that optimism guided his children and made each of us believe that anything was
possible."

"He brought joy and a magnetic optimism to all who knew him and was a loyal friend to many."

On Mark Cox

“She was
still the life of the party, full of joy, optimism and sweetness.”

Stacey
Mollus on Carol Dupree

“His infectious energy and optimistic spirit have helped LiveLaw outgrow its phases of uncertainty and doubt.”

M A Rashid on Professor Shamnad Basheer

“Jerry was a real believer in God and in the goodness and potential of his fellow man, a super optimist every day of his life, always happy, always positive, always encouraging and loving others.“

On Jerry Tapp

“She was a vibrant fountain of happiness and optimism.”

On Marilyn Smith Gattis

He was indeed a beautiful soul, so full of life, cheerful and a very optimistic fellow. Nothing could break his spirit, and even when he was faced with life’s challenges, he would still crack jokes and laugh so hard. The few moments when he felt down, little things cheered him up. He had a good heart and sound character.

On Aminu Abubakar

"a kind and beautiful soul, always wanting the best for his family, always praying for our future success while being eternally optimistic about his own. And, of course, always loving his music."

On Menegian Saro-Wiwa

“Known for herunquenchable optimism, her joy for life and her selfless service to others"

On Chancellor Emerita and former President Jacksonville State University Frances Bartlett Kinne

"Elaine is most remembered for her smile, energy, optimism and dedication."

On Elaine Delores (Bender) Yarwood

"I think the thing that’s understated the
most is his optimism. That’s what made John special, made John a giant among
all of us.”

Joe Biden on John McCain

“Throughout his life, in the midst of the most difficult
trials, he always looked to the future with a spirit of optimism, faith, and
love.”

Renzo Allegri on Saint Padre Pio

“Optimistic, brilliant, diplomatic and kind, Steve led by
bringing out the very best qualities of those around him.”

Ron Richard on Steven Minter

“He was certainly the most optimistic person I’ve ever met. He always felt like everything was going to work out.”

Jonathan Hafen on Hyrum Smith

"The ultimate optimist, her smile brightened rooms and melted hearts as she touched, then impacted every life that crossed her path."

On Martha Scharbauer Adams

"He was deeply concerned about the grim realities in the country’s politics, economic and social fabric; he yet never gave up hope of change and improvement. I once asked him if his optimism was misplaced. His answer stunned me. “Sriram, optimism is not an option; it is a duty.”

Sriram Panchu on Ashok Desai

"Her contagious smile, positive attitude, unbridled optimism, and dry wit could bring sunshine to even the darkest of days."

On Florence Mary Lischin

"The world needs help looking forward and thinking how to enter intelligently, constructively, idealistically, into the optimistic future Max Singer envisioned – and helped build."

“after a new family business on Ashenheim Road, Kingston, was burnt to the ground during the turbulent 1970s, and after being teargassed in the streets at demonstrations, stoned, cursed and shot at, he still maintained a determined spirit and a positive, optimistic outlook.”

Karl Samuda on Jamaica’s Douglas Vaz

"He took pride in his work and his family. He had the best sense of humor of anyone that God ever made, and his family and friends were blessed by his happy nature and unfailing optimism."

On Ron Mashburn

"Despite the tremendous hardship she endured, Goldsher retained her sunny optimism... She was a practical jokester, an amateur poet and a lover of Broadway show tunes. She enjoyed singing old Yiddish folks songs, playing cards and reading romance novels."

Daniela Altimari on Pola Goldsher

"One of the things that made him special was his unwavering optimism....People were drawn to him because he saw only beauty in other people.”

"Right until the end she was buoyant and optimistic; cheerfully thanking others, ceding nothing to despair or self-pity."

"People with cancer would just seek comfort from her. She would talk to them at inordinate length on the phone and listen to their fears, but always with a tone of optimism."

Lynn died at the age of 72: Lynn had been diagnosed with bowel cancer in her early 40s.A year on, she was told she had a 30 per cent chance of surviving. While her husband John contemplated the bleak prospect of life as a lone father, Lynn resolved to fight. ‘I’m convinced her courage and optimism played a part in her recovery. Her attitude was: “I’m going to beat this bugger,” ’ said John.